Library Lady’s K-12 Edition is a mostly weekly newsletter for K-12 school librarians. Today’s topic is — Random Acts of Kindness Day.
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Tips from Library Lady
📚 Random Acts of Kindness Day in the School Library
Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17) is a beautiful opportunity to remind students that small actions can make a big difference. The school library is the perfect place to celebrate kindness—through stories, simple activities, and meaningful connections.
Practical Ideas for K–12 Librarians
1️⃣ “Blind Date with a Book” – Kindness Edition
Wrap books in paper with a few positive clues written on the outside:
- “A story about friendship”
- “A character who learns to forgive”
- “A book that will make you smile”
Students check them out without seeing the cover. Add a small kindness-themed bookmark inside.
2️⃣ Kindness Book Display
Create a simple display with a sign like:
- “Books That Grow Kind Hearts”
- “Read. Reflect. Be Kind.”
- “Stories That Teach Empathy”
Include:
- Picture books about sharing & empathy (K–2)
- Friendship chapter books (3–5)
- SEL-focused novels (6–8)
- Character-driven YA (9–12)
3️⃣ Kindness Compliment Station
Set up a small table with:
- Sticky notes or paper slips
- A prompt: “Write an anonymous compliment for someone in our school.”
Display them on a bulletin board or deliver them to homerooms.
For older students, try:
- “Thank a Teacher”
- “Appreciate a Staff Member”
4️⃣ Bookmark-Making for Others
Have students create encouraging bookmarks with:
- Positive quotes
- Short kind messages
- Uplifting words
Distribute them randomly in checked-out books for the week.
5️⃣ Library Kindness Challenge
Post a simple challenge board:
- Hold the door open
- Invite someone to sit with you
- Say thank you
- Return books neatly
- Help someone find a book
Let classes track completed acts.
6️⃣ “Caught Being Kind” Slips
Give teachers a few slips to hand out when they see kindness.
Students bring them to the library and:
- Enter a drawing for a free bookmark
- Get a small sticker
- Add their name to a “Kindness Wall”
7️⃣ Read-Aloud with Reflection
Choose one kindness-themed book and add a quick discussion:
- “How did the character show kindness?”
- “What would you have done?”
- “How can we show kindness here?”
Middle/high school option:
Pair a short story excerpt with a quick-write reflection.
8️⃣ Kindness Recommendation Wall
Students write:
- “A book that taught me about kindness is…”
- “This story changed how I see others because…”
Great for older grades and builds reader voice.
9️⃣ Partner with Student Leadership
Work with:
- Student council
- Service clubs
- Peer mentors
Host a “Kindness in Action” mini drive (notes to custodians, cards for bus drivers, etc.) coordinated through the library.
🔟 Kindness Through Reading Initiative
Challenge students to:
- Check out a kindness-themed book
- Complete a simple reflection slip
- Share one takeaway
It subtly connects literacy + character development.
February Celebrations
Random Acts of Kindness Day Book list
| Need to do some fundraising for your library? Here are some posts on my blog which describe my fundraising camps. |
Author Birthdays
| Date | Author | Known For |
| Feb 2 | Laura Ingalls Wilder | Little House on the Prairie series |
| Feb 7 | Charles Dickens | Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol |
| Feb 8 | Jules Verne | Journey to the Center of the Earth |
| Feb 11 | Mo Willems | Elephant & Piggie, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! |
| Feb 18 | Toni Morrison | Beloved, The Bluest Eye |
| Feb 27 | John Steinbeck | Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath |
Recent Adult Book Reviews
Spotlight – The Search for the Shadow Cat – fantasy
Recent YA Book Reviews
YA Review – Forged in Firra – young adult fantasy
Recent MS Book Reviews
MS Review – Titus and the Christian Coin – historical fiction
Recent Kid Book Reviews
Kid Review – Guess Why God Made the Rainbow – picture book
Items in my Shop
Cute animals with books – stickers, shirts and more in my Redbubble Shop
What I’m Checking Out
Family Fun Reset Bundle – some great things that could be adapted for your library.
Ideas of Things to Do on World Kindness Day
Make Kindness the Norm at Your School
Ten practical ideas for celebrating Kindness Day in your school
Random Acts of Kindness for Kids
Some things that might interest you
📚 Tools for School Librarians 📚
As librarians, we’re always looking for creative ways to engage students and enhance programming. These tools are easy to use. Explore them today and see how they might fit into your toolkit.
Imagination Station 1 – Coloring, Learning & Fun for Kids these GPTs
The Idea To Income GPT Bundle
Authors and librarians, would you like to have a post on this blog?
I’d like to add a couple of features to my blog in the coming months and I’d like your help. I am looking for school librarians interested in being interviewed on the blog. I am also looking for librarians and children’s or young adult authors to do guest posts on the blog. Click on the links below to fill out a survey.
Is there a way I can help you? Drop a note in the comments or shoot me an email, I’d love to help.
See you next week.
Jane (Library Lady)
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